Gatling

Gatling, Richard Jordan, M.D., the son of a mechanical engineer, was born in North Carolina in 1818. His early years were passed in assisting his father; but in 1844 he began a course of medical study. He doec not appear, however, to have practised his profession, and in 1849 he settled at Indianapolis, where he engaged in railway enterprises and land speculations, bringing out several mechanical inventions. In 1861 he perfected the revolving gun with which his name is associated. The inventor set up a factory, and embarked on other experiments which have resulted in an improved method of casting large ordnance, in the building of several torpedo-boats, and in a pneu. matic gun, for the discharge of modern explosive shells.